Steamier than usual Regency. Two great characters, Lily Somerset and Robyn Sutherland, have the starring roles. Lily has issues from the recent deaths of her parents and Robyn had a dreadful father, also recently deceased. The romance is how they overcome these troubles to fulfill their romantic destiny. ( )

Oh man, I so enjoyed the first in this series, 5 stars. This hero just seemed like he wanted to 'win' for most of the book. I know becoming less selfish was part of his journey, but it took him almost the entire book, and the romance suffered greatly in the meantime, for me at least. I think the couple in the first book must have used up all the interesting past experiences and motivators too, because what served for that in this book was paltry. Very small- I became sick to death hearing about the heroine's apparent PTSD from being lost in a maze once when she was 5...? I didn't count, but it seemed like it was brought up about 19 times. Also, there was an extraordinary number of continuity errors! At least every other scene or so had someone pick something up that was never put down or mentioned again, (or not pick anything up but then suddenly have a glass in hand), characters changing location about a room without moving, etc. I've never ever read a book with so many! It's not the end of the world or anything, but it feels like they didn't bother to have someone re-read the work before it went to print or something. I've heard good things about Elie's story, so I plan to read it, (but then bad things about Charlotte's story after hers) so I really have no idea if this author will work out for me over all or not. ( )

None so blind that cannot see. Robyn Sutherland can't see that sometimes what he does has repercussions and when he comes within a hairs breath of ruining Lily Somerset's reputation. Now he has to step up and learn how to be an adult in a world where he had no cares and see how what he thoughtlessly does is actually sometimes damaging to those around him. It's a hard learning curve but his attraction to Lily is helping him to realise that he has to and he realises that maybe, just maybe, being more adult might make him a better person and able to find a meaningful relationship with a woman, if he can convince her that he's serious.
It was an interesting read that kept me reading and I enjoyed the characters and what they had to do to achieve love. ( )

... missteps and misalliances!

A darkened room, mistaken identify, a lovers tryst gone awry, and the unforgiving ton!
Robyn Sutherland finds the kisses he shares with another leave him unsettled.
Lily Sommerset, who's not looking for an untrustworthy rake, especially her brother-in-law. She wants a beau without a blemish on his record, like the handsomely pedestrian Lord Atherton.
Lily appears to suffer from an anxiety disorder. Everything must line up and Robyn, selfish hedonist, and wickedest rake in London, doesn't fit the bill, although his kisses do make her melt.
Lily, the perfectionist seems to go from one scandal to another due to the actions of Robyn--all reported in the latest scandal sheet.
Robyn is in the words of the elderly Lady Chase, a 'Rapscallion.' Thump! Young Scoundrel! Thump! (That's Lady Chase's cane punctuating her utterances with her cane. Thump!)
Lily is conflicted and trying to deny her feelings for many good reasons. After all how can one trust Robyn. 'One of Robyn’s most dangerous qualities was making her believe everything he said, regardless of whether she should or not.'
Meanwhile Lord Atherton has become a distant dream of what might have been--or has he?
Certainly the twists and turns in this romance have been explored before but Bradley has managed a well packaged story, even while employing some recognizable tried and true tricks.
There are some delightful turns of phrase and mildly ironic statements spattered throughout that add a little zest to the mix.
A delightful read.

A NetGalley ARC ( )

Amazing! I have recently been in a reading rut......grrr.... But, within the 1st 10 pages of this book I was hooked! I sat down and read until the pages were gone and was wishing for some more.
Anna has a way of writing that draws you in .... she has created a vibrant setting and characters that allows you to picture yourself there and apart of it. I am looking forward to reading book 1 next and will be adding her books to my list favorite historical romance novels.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for an honest and fair review. Thank You! ( )